Val Basento – Between river, hills and tradition in the heart of Basilicata. The Basento Valley extends along the course of the Basento river, which crosses a large part of Basilicata, from the province of Potenza to the Gulf of Taranto. It is a valley with many souls: agricultural, industrial, landscape, cultural. Here historic villages, naturalistic areas, archaeological remains and evidence of the Lucanian modernization of the twentieth century coexist. A fascinating journey between tradition and transformation. 🌿 Nature between river and hills: The landscape alternates between soft cultivated hills, river stretches, wooded areas and agricultural plains. In some areas, the riparian vegetation is preserved intact, providing refuge for migratory birds, foxes, herons and other local fauna. 👉 Tip: Follow the riverside trails in the Pisticci Scalo area for a peaceful walk through nature and industrial archaeology. 🏘️ Villages between history and modernity: The valley is dotted with ancient villages such as Pietrapertosa, Trivigno, Calciano, Grassano, Pisticci and Ferrandina. Each with its own stone old town, its popular festivals and a strong rural identity. 👉 Tip: Visit Ferrandina to discover the Aragonese architecture and taste the DOP extra virgin olive oil from the surrounding hills. 🏛️ Archaeology and memories of the territory: In Val Basento there are important archaeological sites such as the ancient Grumentum, a Roman city near Grumento Nova, and evidence of the Greek and Lucanian times in the surroundings of Pisticci and Metaponto. 👉 Tip: Stop at the Archaeological Museum of Metaponto to learn more about the Greek history of the Ionian coast of Basilicata. 🏭 Industrial memory and regeneration: The valley was the scene of the Lucanian industrialization process after the Second World War, especially with the chemical center of Pisticci. Today, many areas are living a new life thanks to environmental and cultural recovery projects. 👉 Tip: Explore the educational trails of the Valbasento Greenway to understand how a territory can be reborn in a sustainable way. 🍽️ Lucanian cuisine and local products: The gastronomy of the valley reflects the peasant tradition: legumes, homemade pasta, cruschi peppers, cold cuts and cheeses. The oil and bread of Pisticci are particularly renowned. 👉 Tip: Try the "tagliatelle with chickpeas and rosemary" or the "pignata" of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in terracotta. 🛌 Sleeping between history and countryside: The valley offers hospitality in farmhouses, farms and small family-run B&Bs. The facilities are often surrounded by nature or in the historic centers, perfect for a quiet and authentic stay. 👉 Tip: Choose a facility that also offers experiences in the vineyard, oil mill or educational farm to experience Lucanian rurality at 360 °. Val Basento is the Basilicata that changes but does not forget: a land of passage and roots, where the future is intertwined with the memory of stone and water.